Sure it's just Mad Max meets Star Wars with a main character that is obviously trying to be Han Solo, but it's got some cool ideas mashed up in the familiar packaging. The effects are decent and the action moves along at a good clip even though you've probably seen most of this stuff before. Worth checking out anyway because it has an old school charm lacking in today's CGI fests.
83 Reviews
Better than a lot of movies currently churned out by Hollywood...
medusa-413 July 2008
I saw this in July, 2008 for the first time and was surprised by the amount of mechanical devices and vehicles built for this one. And the attention to detail is higher than many modern productions.
A funny thing about making movies in 1983 is your choice of either using miniature models or constructing full scale behemoths. This movie goes for the latter option, which is one of its strengths, almost everything you see is right there and not some blue screened effect or shoddy computer graphics. This investment carries very well still today some 25 years later. It is like watching Road Warrior with all of the bikes, cars and trains and it all looks authentic because its actually there. Speaking of Road Warrior, it must be said that Spacehunter has an apparent look and feel of a post-apocalyptic desert world similar to that of the Mad Max films.
Striking are the interesting locations which are thrown at the viewer at a fast pace where new environments show up around every corner during their hunt in the forbidden zone. While short scenes in themselves, they come together nicely in creating the feel of a good adventure movie reminiscent of the Indiana Jones movies.
Not sure of the budget here, many things look really nice, some space scenes are awful but very, very short. I've mentioned two series of other films in this review, don't expect to find either one of them in Spacehunter, rather expect to find elements of all of them combined.
A funny thing about making movies in 1983 is your choice of either using miniature models or constructing full scale behemoths. This movie goes for the latter option, which is one of its strengths, almost everything you see is right there and not some blue screened effect or shoddy computer graphics. This investment carries very well still today some 25 years later. It is like watching Road Warrior with all of the bikes, cars and trains and it all looks authentic because its actually there. Speaking of Road Warrior, it must be said that Spacehunter has an apparent look and feel of a post-apocalyptic desert world similar to that of the Mad Max films.
Striking are the interesting locations which are thrown at the viewer at a fast pace where new environments show up around every corner during their hunt in the forbidden zone. While short scenes in themselves, they come together nicely in creating the feel of a good adventure movie reminiscent of the Indiana Jones movies.
Not sure of the budget here, many things look really nice, some space scenes are awful but very, very short. I've mentioned two series of other films in this review, don't expect to find either one of them in Spacehunter, rather expect to find elements of all of them combined.
Entertaining high-camp B-movie adventure
Leofwine_draca29 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
As cheap STAR WARS rip-offs go, this isn't bad at all, and at least manages to be consistently entertaining trash. Full of typical '80s special effects (running the gamut from poor rubber suits to poor computer effects), wooden acting, and a light plot which is basically an excuse for a series of action sequences, and you have the making of a good, if cheesy, time. As an added bonus, the film was made at the peak of the 3D craze and was, thus, filmed in 3D, so expect lots of blocky titles flying out of the screen and objects flying at the camera at every moment.
The two stars of the show are a wooden Peter Strauss and an irritating Molly Ringwald, who share lots of light banter. Same old story...the pair initially hate each other but eventually grow to love one another. Like we haven't heard that one before. Strauss' character is a blatant copy of Han Solo, right down to the same cocky manner and clothing. Ringwald plays some kind of desert urchin who hooks up with Strauss as a guide and manages to put herself in all sorts of danger.
The location shooting is nice, offering up a realistic-looking alien planet, although sadly the inhabitants are less than convincing. Things kick off with Strauss riding around in his dune buggy (did I mentioned MAD MAX as another influence?) then discovering a Viking longship flying down a railway line (?!). A laser fight immediately ensues, the first of a couple in the film, which are really quite impressive. Some poor extra gets it ("we have blood loss here...") and Strauss loses his female helper, who turns out to be an icky android who melts at the touch of a button.
From then on, it's one thing after another, with Strauss pairing up with Ringwald and together meeting all kinds of monsters and strange characters. An incredibly young, bald Ernie Hudson wanders around in a space suit and drives a shoddy-looking bulldozer which belches black smoke into the planet's atmosphere (can't be doing much for their ozone layer). A group of amphibious Amazons (!) wander around in little clothing and try to capture our heroes in giant nets - and fail. A patently plastic-looking dragon (not so much a dragon as a cardboard head on a wooden pole) puts our befuddled hero into yet another dangerous situation, while some obese rubber-suited people provide lots of mirth. In another unexplained incident, mutant children lob Molotov cocktails at our heroes from the top of a cliff.
After these amusing incidents, our characters eventually arrive at Overdog's castle. Overdog is a menacing (ridiculous name aside) character, a cyborg with a human face and gigantic pincer arms. He's played by genre staple Michael Ironside, although you wouldn't recognise him under all that makeup. He's devised a tricky maze where unwilling contestants must face dangers like pools of acid, fire, pits of spikes, and giant swinging circular saw blades while being pursued by a giant steamroller. Inevitably, Ringwald finds herself in the maze and is luckily able to conquer it before being captured by Overdog, who has a thing for women you see. At the end, action man Strauss saves the day by electrocuting the baddie and shooting lots of things/people. The entire place explodes in a huge display of pyrotechnics which was also a convenient way to use up any of the budget that may have been left over.
So, as adventure films go, this isn't bad at all. That is, as long as you know what to expect - fans of decent, high budget fare may think otherwise. For me, a film with plentiful action, a sprinkling of violence, and all manner of weird costumes and effects definitely passes the time in an entertaining way.
The two stars of the show are a wooden Peter Strauss and an irritating Molly Ringwald, who share lots of light banter. Same old story...the pair initially hate each other but eventually grow to love one another. Like we haven't heard that one before. Strauss' character is a blatant copy of Han Solo, right down to the same cocky manner and clothing. Ringwald plays some kind of desert urchin who hooks up with Strauss as a guide and manages to put herself in all sorts of danger.
The location shooting is nice, offering up a realistic-looking alien planet, although sadly the inhabitants are less than convincing. Things kick off with Strauss riding around in his dune buggy (did I mentioned MAD MAX as another influence?) then discovering a Viking longship flying down a railway line (?!). A laser fight immediately ensues, the first of a couple in the film, which are really quite impressive. Some poor extra gets it ("we have blood loss here...") and Strauss loses his female helper, who turns out to be an icky android who melts at the touch of a button.
From then on, it's one thing after another, with Strauss pairing up with Ringwald and together meeting all kinds of monsters and strange characters. An incredibly young, bald Ernie Hudson wanders around in a space suit and drives a shoddy-looking bulldozer which belches black smoke into the planet's atmosphere (can't be doing much for their ozone layer). A group of amphibious Amazons (!) wander around in little clothing and try to capture our heroes in giant nets - and fail. A patently plastic-looking dragon (not so much a dragon as a cardboard head on a wooden pole) puts our befuddled hero into yet another dangerous situation, while some obese rubber-suited people provide lots of mirth. In another unexplained incident, mutant children lob Molotov cocktails at our heroes from the top of a cliff.
After these amusing incidents, our characters eventually arrive at Overdog's castle. Overdog is a menacing (ridiculous name aside) character, a cyborg with a human face and gigantic pincer arms. He's played by genre staple Michael Ironside, although you wouldn't recognise him under all that makeup. He's devised a tricky maze where unwilling contestants must face dangers like pools of acid, fire, pits of spikes, and giant swinging circular saw blades while being pursued by a giant steamroller. Inevitably, Ringwald finds herself in the maze and is luckily able to conquer it before being captured by Overdog, who has a thing for women you see. At the end, action man Strauss saves the day by electrocuting the baddie and shooting lots of things/people. The entire place explodes in a huge display of pyrotechnics which was also a convenient way to use up any of the budget that may have been left over.
So, as adventure films go, this isn't bad at all. That is, as long as you know what to expect - fans of decent, high budget fare may think otherwise. For me, a film with plentiful action, a sprinkling of violence, and all manner of weird costumes and effects definitely passes the time in an entertaining way.
Fun 80's B-movie
raider_ben18 April 2006
This is one of those movies I caught on cable TV quite a few years ago. It's not too big on brainpower but it's fun to watch. Here's the story: A space liner cruises too close to a nebula and is destroyed. Three very beautiful (but not very smart)women escape and crash land on a barren planet and are captured by a group of nomads. Meanwhile a bounty hunter named Wolff intercepts a message and sets out to rescue the women,who've been taken to OverDog, the tyrant who rules the wastelands of the planet. Along the way Wolff meets up with a young girl named Nikki and his ex-partner who happens to be on the same mission.
This movie has some well known character actors, Peter Strauss as Wolff, Molly Ringwald as Nicky, Ernie Hudson as Wolff's ex-partner,and Michael Ironside as OverDog.
This movie has some well known character actors, Peter Strauss as Wolff, Molly Ringwald as Nicky, Ernie Hudson as Wolff's ex-partner,and Michael Ironside as OverDog.
Standard 80s Sci-Fi/Post Holocaust
DrSatan13 August 1999
Haven't seen this movie since the late 80s when it was shown on cable far too often....your basic 80s post-holocaust flick, with the only difference being its setting, i.e. its on another planet. The mutants come out; the evil cyborg villain blusters, Ernie Hudson continues to prove he's only been in one really successful movie, and Strauss and Ringwald have a creepy relationship the prefigures the Phantom Menace. Unless you really love the genre avoid the movie. If you love the post-Holocaust genre, however, you'll basically get a generic entry.
Might be dated, but should be celebrated!
Paul Shrimpton27 December 2006
Been waiting for this for a long time - as cult classics go it's one of my more memorable adolescent reminiscences.
I remember seeing this on the big screen when it was first released. Loved it then, for several reasons: Strauss was capable but cool as the hero Wolf, Molly Ringwald was feisty, mouthy and cheeky as the elfin Nikki, and Michael Ironsides was virtually unrecognisable under his make-up, but still gave Overdog a sinister air of menace and cruelty.
Now, 20 years later, I get to see it again, and there are flaws that time has exposed. The effects and the music are very dated. The dialogue is weak in places, and the acting from the minor characters leaves something to be desired. However, it still has a sense of excitement and adventure that many other sci-fi flicks of the 80s now lack. The action is fast-paced, the interaction between the leads is good, and the scenery is suitably dark and barren.
7/10 - it's well worth overlooking the more dated elements in order to uncover the gem underneath.
I remember seeing this on the big screen when it was first released. Loved it then, for several reasons: Strauss was capable but cool as the hero Wolf, Molly Ringwald was feisty, mouthy and cheeky as the elfin Nikki, and Michael Ironsides was virtually unrecognisable under his make-up, but still gave Overdog a sinister air of menace and cruelty.
Now, 20 years later, I get to see it again, and there are flaws that time has exposed. The effects and the music are very dated. The dialogue is weak in places, and the acting from the minor characters leaves something to be desired. However, it still has a sense of excitement and adventure that many other sci-fi flicks of the 80s now lack. The action is fast-paced, the interaction between the leads is good, and the scenery is suitably dark and barren.
7/10 - it's well worth overlooking the more dated elements in order to uncover the gem underneath.
The movie at least has a great looking poster, I wish I can say the same about the movie itself
jordondave-2808528 April 2023
(1983) Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone SCIENCE-FICTION ACTION ADVENTURE/ COMEDY
Can you believe that Ivan Reitman was credited as executive producer on this piece of junk! The premise is ludicrous centering on Wollf (Peter Strauss) entering an already infected infested planet called Terra-11 ordered to find and then bring back actual women to the planet Earth, for reasons unknown- perhaps because the planet earth doesn't have very many women in terms of breeding purposes. Anyways, the entire environment is similar to any Mad Max movie ever made which is the desert- full of many areas of water that is supposed to be contaminated, for viewers are completely oblivious how the people who reside their obtain fresh clean drinking water. Wollf also picks up Nikki(Molly Ringwald) along the way, who is supposed to direct him to where the women had been brought to since he doesn't know too much about the area. And I just want to say that the character played Molly Ringwald is perhaps the most annoying person she has ever done, who whines and complains, who refuses to listen. Ernie Hudson as Washington stole the movie on some scenes he's in, who actually saves Wollf's butt on more than one occasion.
Can you believe that Ivan Reitman was credited as executive producer on this piece of junk! The premise is ludicrous centering on Wollf (Peter Strauss) entering an already infected infested planet called Terra-11 ordered to find and then bring back actual women to the planet Earth, for reasons unknown- perhaps because the planet earth doesn't have very many women in terms of breeding purposes. Anyways, the entire environment is similar to any Mad Max movie ever made which is the desert- full of many areas of water that is supposed to be contaminated, for viewers are completely oblivious how the people who reside their obtain fresh clean drinking water. Wollf also picks up Nikki(Molly Ringwald) along the way, who is supposed to direct him to where the women had been brought to since he doesn't know too much about the area. And I just want to say that the character played Molly Ringwald is perhaps the most annoying person she has ever done, who whines and complains, who refuses to listen. Ernie Hudson as Washington stole the movie on some scenes he's in, who actually saves Wollf's butt on more than one occasion.
An absolute hoot.
Hey_Sweden15 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Peter Strauss plays bounty hunter Wolff - a definite Han Solo type - who takes on the job of rescuing three lovely young women who crash landed on a barren planet. There, they were taken captive by the minions of vicious, omnipotent mutant villain Overdog (Michael Ironside). Wolff acquires some initially unwanted companions on his adventure. Washington (Ernie Hudson) is a former associate with whom he butts heads. And Niki (Molly Ringwald) is a feisty teen aged orphan who brags that her tracking skills can lead Wolff to the lair of Overdog and company.
Minor but diverting 3-D sci-fi just gets better and better - well, so to speak - as it goes along, throwing everything *and* the kitchen sink at the viewer for the sake of a good time. The sets are the most impressive element. The makeup effects and costumes are also pretty good; get a load of the outfit that Ironside is obliged to wear. The music by old pro composer Elmer Bernstein is suitably rousing. The screenplay itself is nothing special - with overuse of goofy jargon - but director Lamont Johnson ("The Last American Hero", "Lipstick") handles the proceedings capably, if not stylishly.
The supporting characters are really more engaging than the leads. Ironside once again proves himself a great movie villain. Andrea Marcovicci is so damn sexy and appealing in her brief screen time that you really miss her once she's written out of the story. Hudson is rock solid as always. Strauss is okay, but his character is rather smug and not terribly likable. He takes a while to grow on you, as does Ringwald, who will probably strike many viewers as being overly whiny.
The best bit: Niki being forced by Overdog to run through an incredibly elaborate, extremely lethal maze.
Among the "Ghost Busters" connections: Hudson, executive producer Ivan Reitman, Bernstein, and casting director Karen Rea.
Seven out of 10.
Minor but diverting 3-D sci-fi just gets better and better - well, so to speak - as it goes along, throwing everything *and* the kitchen sink at the viewer for the sake of a good time. The sets are the most impressive element. The makeup effects and costumes are also pretty good; get a load of the outfit that Ironside is obliged to wear. The music by old pro composer Elmer Bernstein is suitably rousing. The screenplay itself is nothing special - with overuse of goofy jargon - but director Lamont Johnson ("The Last American Hero", "Lipstick") handles the proceedings capably, if not stylishly.
The supporting characters are really more engaging than the leads. Ironside once again proves himself a great movie villain. Andrea Marcovicci is so damn sexy and appealing in her brief screen time that you really miss her once she's written out of the story. Hudson is rock solid as always. Strauss is okay, but his character is rather smug and not terribly likable. He takes a while to grow on you, as does Ringwald, who will probably strike many viewers as being overly whiny.
The best bit: Niki being forced by Overdog to run through an incredibly elaborate, extremely lethal maze.
Among the "Ghost Busters" connections: Hudson, executive producer Ivan Reitman, Bernstein, and casting director Karen Rea.
Seven out of 10.
Seen in a theater in it's original format of 3D!!!
miller-movies18 June 2000
This was a most interesting experience... as the 3D photography is second only to the fabulous House of Wax. The most amazing part of the FX was that most of the weaponry was clearly occurring during filming, and not added digitally at a later time. The acting and story were average, tho Molly Ringwald did well with the material given her. Good action picture, but see it in 3D if at all possible. (Any 3D festivals out there?)
It's campy. It's fun. Kick back and enjoy.
director8715 June 2006
It's campy. It's fun. Don't think too hard and just want some classic, cheesy scifi action. I mean you've got hot space chicks in bondage gear, mutants and a gun battles. What more can you ask for? OK so its not exactly meant for deep thinkers but neither is star wars (frankly I think people are reading way too much into what the force is). This would actually be a great movie to be on MST 3K. Why can't they bring that show back? But back to the movie at hand, there's not even that much to write about. It's not like we're talking about something with real deep meaning or subtext that needs to be closely examined. I usually tune into this movie about half way in so maybe I'm not the best person to comment on it. But the parts I saw I remember enjoying. I like shooting and stuff. It's sort of like the a scifi version of the A-Team and I think we can all agree how much fun that was.
Space Hunter : Adventures in the Forbidden Zone
StLouisAssassin19 January 2007
Believe it or not this film was released as the same time as "Return of the Jedi" and was shown alongside Jedi at most major movie houses across the country. The studio execs knew it didn't have a chance against "Jedi" so the 3D effects and the release date were primarily a marketing tool to lure you into their movie after "Jedi" had sold out.
Another 3D sci-fi film from 1983 was also released during the Theatrical run of "Jedi", it was Called "MetalStorm: The Destruction of Jared Syn" the producers of that film to were also hoping to make a fast buck hoping that audiences who were coming to the movie house to see"Jedi" would see their film after "Jedi" had sold out - again using 3D effects as a lure.
both mid-to-low budget sci-fi films(both filmed in 3D) ...SpaceHunter:Adventures in the Forbidden Zone & MetalStorm:The Destruction of Jared Syn were both financial flops. And they are forever linked together in their producers quest to make a fast buck hoping that audiences would stroll into their film after "Jedi" sold out.... However they are both fun to watch. Space Hunter is far away the better of the 2 films
Another 3D sci-fi film from 1983 was also released during the Theatrical run of "Jedi", it was Called "MetalStorm: The Destruction of Jared Syn" the producers of that film to were also hoping to make a fast buck hoping that audiences who were coming to the movie house to see"Jedi" would see their film after "Jedi" had sold out - again using 3D effects as a lure.
both mid-to-low budget sci-fi films(both filmed in 3D) ...SpaceHunter:Adventures in the Forbidden Zone & MetalStorm:The Destruction of Jared Syn were both financial flops. And they are forever linked together in their producers quest to make a fast buck hoping that audiences would stroll into their film after "Jedi" sold out.... However they are both fun to watch. Space Hunter is far away the better of the 2 films
Brain-free fun
sam6627 August 2001
Warning: Spoilers
Oh boy do I ever enjoy this movie. For some reason I've managed to see it at least once a year since it was released and I never get sick of it and I really have no idea why. Mental disorder, perhaps. This movie redefines camp for post-apocalyptic scifi quest adventure 3-D crap. Peter Strauss and Molly Ringwald are both great in their stock roles--Strauss is refreshingly down-to-earth, so unlike the usual all-knowing megalomaniac space ranger with a girl in every port (his girl is a purchased robot companion, which says things about a guy); Ringwald's whine would give God a
headache, but she's got the right proportion of bravado and vulnerability to create a believable, occasionally endearing space orphan. I like the random nature of their search, designed to place them in situations where the production can use up a set or two that might have been intended for some other movie. Plenty of rubbery creatures abound. And the Thunderdome-esque stuff is actually pretty cool--I'm reminded of Leela's test in that Doctor Who episode (something people who like Spacehunter are a plausible demographic to remember). All in all this is a happily-brainless-yet-somehow-lovable piece of space junk and I'm crazy about it. Or just crazy.
headache, but she's got the right proportion of bravado and vulnerability to create a believable, occasionally endearing space orphan. I like the random nature of their search, designed to place them in situations where the production can use up a set or two that might have been intended for some other movie. Plenty of rubbery creatures abound. And the Thunderdome-esque stuff is actually pretty cool--I'm reminded of Leela's test in that Doctor Who episode (something people who like Spacehunter are a plausible demographic to remember). All in all this is a happily-brainless-yet-somehow-lovable piece of space junk and I'm crazy about it. Or just crazy.
meant to be together forever
j_eyon6 December 2010
i'm a big fan of portions of this film - primarily the Peter Strauss/Molly Ringwald portions - despite their 21 year age difference - their incessant battling brought out the duo's chemistry just as if this were a romantic comedy - and Molly's valley-girl-in-space remains one of my favorite scifi characters ever.
with their charisma - and a talented supporting cast including Ernie Hudson, Andrea Marcovicci, and Michael Ironside - along with some imaginative set design - and great dialog for Molly - this is more than a gimmicky scifi yarn - too bad the rest of the movie isn't up to that standard.
with their charisma - and a talented supporting cast including Ernie Hudson, Andrea Marcovicci, and Michael Ironside - along with some imaginative set design - and great dialog for Molly - this is more than a gimmicky scifi yarn - too bad the rest of the movie isn't up to that standard.
Space Hunter Vehicle in Knight Ridder
rpwhaley5 May 2005
Wolfe's large jeep like vehicle was used as Kitt's nemisis for an 2 part episode of Knight Ridder in Season 4 called "Knight of the Juggernaut". It was modified with a battering ram and larger tires. The episode took place in Chicago in late 1985.
"Michael and K.I.T.T.'s latest assignment, to guard a volatile new isotope in Chicago, looks as if it could be their last, when the late Wilton Knight's daughter Jennifer plans to shut down their division of FLAG, and suspends Michael. But meanwhile, international terrorist Phillip Nordstrom kidnaps Devon, and uses hi-tech laser surgery on a criminal to create an impostor, as part of Nordstrom's plot to get his hands on the valuable isotope. Even though suspended, Michael becomes suspicious of (the impostor) Devon's behaviour and investigates but Nordstrom plans to get rid of their interference, coating K.I.T.T. in a chemical to break down his molecular amour coating, before turning loose "The Juggernaut" a deadly mobile battering ram... "
"Michael and K.I.T.T.'s latest assignment, to guard a volatile new isotope in Chicago, looks as if it could be their last, when the late Wilton Knight's daughter Jennifer plans to shut down their division of FLAG, and suspends Michael. But meanwhile, international terrorist Phillip Nordstrom kidnaps Devon, and uses hi-tech laser surgery on a criminal to create an impostor, as part of Nordstrom's plot to get his hands on the valuable isotope. Even though suspended, Michael becomes suspicious of (the impostor) Devon's behaviour and investigates but Nordstrom plans to get rid of their interference, coating K.I.T.T. in a chemical to break down his molecular amour coating, before turning loose "The Juggernaut" a deadly mobile battering ram... "
Classic Cheese
James-18410 September 2000
I make a point to catch Spacehunter every time it airs (usually after 1 a.m.). It's classic cheese, and I submit there's a place in our moral-cinematic universe for such films.
What films? Oh, having Michael Ironside as the villain is a good clue. If I had to define them...films so goofy (yet riddled with neat ideas that only the low-budget creative intellect can conjure) that we harken back to adolescence and think how cool these films would have been/were when we saw them with our junior high pals.
Yes, this is MST3K material, but lovingly so, nostalgically so. An ugly duckling that never becomes a swan--never even really gives such a transformation a shot--but one we can groove on precisely because it's so dorky.
What films? Oh, having Michael Ironside as the villain is a good clue. If I had to define them...films so goofy (yet riddled with neat ideas that only the low-budget creative intellect can conjure) that we harken back to adolescence and think how cool these films would have been/were when we saw them with our junior high pals.
Yes, this is MST3K material, but lovingly so, nostalgically so. An ugly duckling that never becomes a swan--never even really gives such a transformation a shot--but one we can groove on precisely because it's so dorky.
Missing limbs.....
FlashCallahan24 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Three women made an emergency landing on a planet plagued with a fatal disease, but are captured by dictator Overdog.
Adventurer Wolff goes there to rescue them and meets Niki, the only earthling left from a medical expedition.
Combining their talents, they try to rescue the women....
Another one of those films that people must have fond memories of, when they saw it all those years ago.
But seeing that I saw this for the first today and at the age of 34, it's a big disappointment for the first hour. It reminded me of that awful film from 1985 called 'Land of Doom' or something.
The first two acts are just people walking thought the desert, pointing things at the screen because of the 3D, searching for three women.
It's a chore to sit through, Molly Ringwald turns up, but she whines, and then Ernie Hudson turns up, but he isn't Winston, and you start to despair.
But then all of a sudden the final act really ups the ante, and we get a cross between The Crystal Maze and Duran Durans Wild Boys video.
It almost makes the rest of the film worth watching.
But then you cannot see this part on it's own, as it would be really difficult to comprehend what was going on.
Another case of the title being better than the film...
Adventurer Wolff goes there to rescue them and meets Niki, the only earthling left from a medical expedition.
Combining their talents, they try to rescue the women....
Another one of those films that people must have fond memories of, when they saw it all those years ago.
But seeing that I saw this for the first today and at the age of 34, it's a big disappointment for the first hour. It reminded me of that awful film from 1985 called 'Land of Doom' or something.
The first two acts are just people walking thought the desert, pointing things at the screen because of the 3D, searching for three women.
It's a chore to sit through, Molly Ringwald turns up, but she whines, and then Ernie Hudson turns up, but he isn't Winston, and you start to despair.
But then all of a sudden the final act really ups the ante, and we get a cross between The Crystal Maze and Duran Durans Wild Boys video.
It almost makes the rest of the film worth watching.
But then you cannot see this part on it's own, as it would be really difficult to comprehend what was going on.
Another case of the title being better than the film...
Campy fun.
Peach-223 June 1999
This movie is campy to say the very least. The only way to describe it, it has that Mad Max feel to it, just not as well done as the Mad Max films. I saw this movie for the first time when I was very young and I've seen at least 10 times, yes 10, and it left an impression on me. It wasn't the style, although I did like the futuristic setting, it was the main bad guy of the film, The Overdog. Michael Ironside portrays Overdog in a over the top performance, if you can be over the top and completely immobile. Some laugh that I enjoy this film, trust me, I've seen worst.
cheesy fun
SnoopyStyle17 January 2016
Three beautiful women survive their ship's destruction on an escape shuttle. They land on a war-torn disease-plagued planet and are quickly captured. Scavenger Wolff (Peter Strauss) and his android Chalmers go on a rescue mission for the massive reward. Ruthless ruler Overdog (Michael Ironside) has taken the women to the Forbidden Zone. Niki (Molly Ringwald) is the last survivor of an Earth medical expedition. She joins Wolff as his guide. Competitor former comrade Sector Chief Washington (Ernie Hudson) turns partner.
This is one of those B-movie Star Wars wannabe with a healthy dose of Mad Max and a temporary revival of 3-D during the early 80s. I have forgotten how much cheesy fun this movie has. I remember the vehicles but I honestly forgot about the hang-gliders. The movie has the fattest mutants and midgets as well. It is utterly full-on B-movie. I actually like the adorable Molly Ringwald as a loud-mouthed pixie. I would have liked Chalmers in the group but the android gets nuked extremely early. It is a shame since Chalmers seems to be set up early on to be a lead. Ironside and his get-up with his maze is ridiculous and fun. I do not recommend this movie unless one is in the mood to see silly camp.
This is one of those B-movie Star Wars wannabe with a healthy dose of Mad Max and a temporary revival of 3-D during the early 80s. I have forgotten how much cheesy fun this movie has. I remember the vehicles but I honestly forgot about the hang-gliders. The movie has the fattest mutants and midgets as well. It is utterly full-on B-movie. I actually like the adorable Molly Ringwald as a loud-mouthed pixie. I would have liked Chalmers in the group but the android gets nuked extremely early. It is a shame since Chalmers seems to be set up early on to be a lead. Ironside and his get-up with his maze is ridiculous and fun. I do not recommend this movie unless one is in the mood to see silly camp.
One of the better 3D movies to come out in this time.
Aaron13752 February 2004
This was made during the whole 3D craze of the early 80's. To me it is actually one of the better ones as well. Is it great, no, but it is fun and never boring (well to me anyway). Notice though that in these 3D movies they are either sequels (Jaws 3D, Amityville 3D) or they have the largest titles ever conceived? Why not just call this one "Spacehunter" why add the last part? There is another one called "MetalStorm: The destruction of Jared Syn" and one called "Treasure of the Four Crowns". The only one I can think of that didn't fall into either of these two categories is "Parasite". This one focuses on this guy who has to track down these women who have landed on this planet full of a lot of weird stuff. They get captured by this sadistic weird looking machine guy. During his hunt for the women he runs into this gal who helps him a bit and they run into all these strange creatures and other rival hunters. This movie was rather entertaining and rather stood on its own. It was good without the 3D to me and is interesting to check out.
Something died in here. It sure did.
tonywebster-9609026 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Had the film remained as it did at the start, it would've been much better film.
Not dissimilar to a star trek Borg film.
But something b-rated.
Ernie Hudson could've given his character more attitude. Peter Strauss carries the film, well, especially when he first appears, in a scene stealer. I would've liked to have seen a bit more of the cyborg. The plot doesn't reveal how he freed the survivor's, which would've given the film a much better ending. And I would've liked to have seen some more of what happened to the survivors, after they were caught. Overall, more character development would've been nice, without increasing the length of the film. The film really died, when the characters said that something died in here. The other one replies it probably did. I gave this film a 4, they could've done a whole lot better.
Ernie Hudson could've given his character more attitude. Peter Strauss carries the film, well, especially when he first appears, in a scene stealer. I would've liked to have seen a bit more of the cyborg. The plot doesn't reveal how he freed the survivor's, which would've given the film a much better ending. And I would've liked to have seen some more of what happened to the survivors, after they were caught. Overall, more character development would've been nice, without increasing the length of the film. The film really died, when the characters said that something died in here. The other one replies it probably did. I gave this film a 4, they could've done a whole lot better.
Star Wars meets Mad Max in 3D (but not as good as that sounds).
BA_Harrison21 August 2018
I first saw Spacehunter in 1983, when I was fifteen, and was so enthralled by the 3D gimmick that I didn't really care too much about the story - a good job since the premise is weak: a space adventurer Wolff (Peter Strauss) goes in search of three Earth women who have become stranded on a planet where they have been enslaved by a dictator, Overdog (Michael Ironside). The majority of the film sees Wolff overcoming various obstacles, accompanied by teenage waif Niki (Molly Ringwald) and old rival Washington (Ernie Hudson). There's not a lot of plot development to speak of.
However, what I didn't appreciate on my original viewing was the production design, which is very impressive (with a special mention for that wonderful Mad Max-style railroad ship contraption), and the stunning location work, the Moab desert in Utah lending itself perfectly to an alien landscape. The film also benefits from a rousing score by Elmer Bernstein, some fine special effects (the model FX are particularly well handled), and decent makeup (Michael Ironside is completely unrecognisable as Overdog). Unfortunately, Ringwald tends to grate with her shrill voice, and her character's use of future-slang soon gets tiresome.
As 80s sci-fi schlock goes, Spacehunter is passable entertainment, but I would really like to see it in 3D again, just to see Overdog's giant metal claws sticking out of the screen.
However, what I didn't appreciate on my original viewing was the production design, which is very impressive (with a special mention for that wonderful Mad Max-style railroad ship contraption), and the stunning location work, the Moab desert in Utah lending itself perfectly to an alien landscape. The film also benefits from a rousing score by Elmer Bernstein, some fine special effects (the model FX are particularly well handled), and decent makeup (Michael Ironside is completely unrecognisable as Overdog). Unfortunately, Ringwald tends to grate with her shrill voice, and her character's use of future-slang soon gets tiresome.
As 80s sci-fi schlock goes, Spacehunter is passable entertainment, but I would really like to see it in 3D again, just to see Overdog's giant metal claws sticking out of the screen.
Lost In Space!
bsmith555210 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
"Spacehunter: Adventures in the forbidden Zone" is nothing more than a Star Wars clone. The hero, Wolff (Peter Strauss) is a Han Solo wannabe. and the delectable Andrea Marovicci fills in as his "companion" the best thing in the movie..
The plot as such, has three young lovelies being marooned on a desolate planet populated by a variety of mutants (including the marshmallow men). The so called ruler of the planet Overdog (Michael Ironside) has them captured and brought before his lustful eyes. A reward is posted for their safe return. Fortune hunters Wolff and Washington (Ernie Hudson) take up the chase. Wolff is joined by a brash teenager named Niki (Molly Ringwald). They have several confrontations with an assortment of mutants amid dazzling "comin' at ya" special effects.
Eventually they confront Overdog and his followers and................'
This whole film is a disaster. You can't follow the story because it jumps all over the place. There is no viable explanation for Overdog (wait until you see HIM) or the various mutants or even the planet its self.
Filmed in 3D.
The plot as such, has three young lovelies being marooned on a desolate planet populated by a variety of mutants (including the marshmallow men). The so called ruler of the planet Overdog (Michael Ironside) has them captured and brought before his lustful eyes. A reward is posted for their safe return. Fortune hunters Wolff and Washington (Ernie Hudson) take up the chase. Wolff is joined by a brash teenager named Niki (Molly Ringwald). They have several confrontations with an assortment of mutants amid dazzling "comin' at ya" special effects.
Eventually they confront Overdog and his followers and................'
This whole film is a disaster. You can't follow the story because it jumps all over the place. There is no viable explanation for Overdog (wait until you see HIM) or the various mutants or even the planet its self.
Filmed in 3D.
Forgotten Gem
Sam_Ricketts3 December 2004
Spacehunter is a film I saw as a child, which has remained at the back of my mind for years. Around the same time, I was watching things like Ghostbusters and Star Trek (The Wrath of Khan), and knew nothing about special effects, budgets or story lines. All I knew was that I liked these films. Having recently obtained a copy of Spacehunter, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it holds up, compared to other classics. Yes, a lot of it is hokey nonsense, but in a GOOD way.
Strauss makes a likable rogue, obviously straight from the Han Solo mold, and Molly Ringwald is her usual early eighties cutie. The special effects are fair for the time (though the title sequence leaves something to be desired), and the futuristic 'Mad Max' style vehicles could easily be from a more recent movie.
Michael Ironside is almost unrecogniseable underneath prosthetics, but offers a great performance, hampered only by his lack of mobility in costume. I was especially surprised to recognise Ernie Hudson as a supporting character, playing Strauss' ex-buddy.
In all, a great film with a few minor flaws. I'm amazed this got no further than it did at the time. One of the few post-Star Wars movies that deserves a sequel (which i'm tempted to have a bash at myself).
Strauss makes a likable rogue, obviously straight from the Han Solo mold, and Molly Ringwald is her usual early eighties cutie. The special effects are fair for the time (though the title sequence leaves something to be desired), and the futuristic 'Mad Max' style vehicles could easily be from a more recent movie.
Michael Ironside is almost unrecogniseable underneath prosthetics, but offers a great performance, hampered only by his lack of mobility in costume. I was especially surprised to recognise Ernie Hudson as a supporting character, playing Strauss' ex-buddy.
In all, a great film with a few minor flaws. I'm amazed this got no further than it did at the time. One of the few post-Star Wars movies that deserves a sequel (which i'm tempted to have a bash at myself).
Stylish hokum
neil-47618 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This is what we had to put up with when we couldn't get proper sci-fi films.
To be fair, this tale of all-purpose low budget Han solo-lite space ranger Peter Strauss and profoundly irritating wilful argumentative waif Molly Ringwald has quite a lot going for it, and I'm not counting the 3D because I've never seen it. Admittedly, everything it's got going for it has been nicked from somewhere else. The Star Wars influences don't end with Han Solo - there's the theme music to be going along with, not to mention half the other visuals. Mad Max will be calling to collect the other half, and Lon Chaney Sr would like Michael Ironside to return the Phantom makeup from the silent version of Phantom Of The Opera, please.
But it's a rip-roaring swashbuckling tale of derring do - lots of action, lots of explosions, larger than life stock characters, some fun set design, lots of trucks with bits stuck on to make them look suitably alien, lots of desolate looking locations (well, one), and just enough story to hang the rest on.
These days it comes across as rather more low budget than it actually was, but it isn't really as bad as you might fear from the IMDb score.
To be fair, this tale of all-purpose low budget Han solo-lite space ranger Peter Strauss and profoundly irritating wilful argumentative waif Molly Ringwald has quite a lot going for it, and I'm not counting the 3D because I've never seen it. Admittedly, everything it's got going for it has been nicked from somewhere else. The Star Wars influences don't end with Han Solo - there's the theme music to be going along with, not to mention half the other visuals. Mad Max will be calling to collect the other half, and Lon Chaney Sr would like Michael Ironside to return the Phantom makeup from the silent version of Phantom Of The Opera, please.
But it's a rip-roaring swashbuckling tale of derring do - lots of action, lots of explosions, larger than life stock characters, some fun set design, lots of trucks with bits stuck on to make them look suitably alien, lots of desolate looking locations (well, one), and just enough story to hang the rest on.
These days it comes across as rather more low budget than it actually was, but it isn't really as bad as you might fear from the IMDb score.
Ah yes, the campiness of 80s sci-fi
Agent1028 March 2003
Along with the likes of Amazon Women on the Moon, Nightflyers and countless others, Spacehunter proved to be one of the cheesiest and most overdone films of that era. Only Tankgirl of recent fame could counter this sometimes sloppy, often times stupid movie. And to think, Molly Ringwald did a bunch of teen flicks after this. Why couldn't she do something like a Cherry 2000 or something. An utterly hopeless film.
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